FIBA Europe Board opposes 4-year EuroBasket cycle

The FIBA Europe Board has expressed its dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the planned reform of the global calendar, decided by FIBA’s recent Central Board in Kuala Lumpur.

In particular, the FIBA Europe Board, which convened in Ljubljana, Slovenia this weekend, reiterated its rejection of the FIBA proposal for a four-year cycle for EuroBasket, its flagship even and Europe’s premier basketball event. FIBA Europe believes that the two-year cycle should be maintained.

The Board, in principle, agrees with the introduction of windows during the season for the National Teams competitions.

FIBA Europe has decided to have a full analysis of the proposed changes, informally through a working group and seminars involving its member Federation, and formally by bringing the issue before the General Assembly next spring.

EuroBasket Women 2015

FIBA Europe has accepted a proposal by the hosts of EuroBasket Women 2015, Hungary, to bring in Romania as co-hosts of the Championship. The venues will be announced at a later stage, pending approval by FIBA Europe.

The Board has also approved a proposal that the first round of the EuroBasket Women 2015 Qualification Round, in the summer of 2013, will be in a tournament format – four qualification groups to be played in four different locations.

The winners of the four groups will qualify for a playoff round (home and away games) and the winner of this round will progress to EuroBasket Women 2015.

Youth European Championships 2013

The FIBA Europe Board has approved nine of the 12 hosts for FIBA Europe’s Youth European Championships next summer.